For the millions of dogs that find themselves homeless and living on the street, life cannot be easy, writes moneysavingbasics.

Finding food, water and shelter is hard enough but for those animals that suffer injuries the future is often bleak.

When Poppy was just a young dog she was discovered dragging her back legs along the road.

Nobody knows how this poor pup’s spine was crushed but this painful injury meant she couldn’t move her back legs.

She suffered alone in a remote area until she found herself near an animal sanctuary where workers rushed to her aid.

Susanne Vogel was working at an elephant research camp in Botswana, southern Africa, when she and her co-workers spotted the injured dog.

‘Sweetest spirit’
Animal lover Susanne picked up the poor creature and took her to the nearest veterinarian – eight hours away.

A GoFundMe page set up to help raise funds for Poppy’s treatment said they were all amazed that she had survived considering the livestock and predators in the area.

“She is bursting with the sweetest spirit. We drove her to the nearest veterinary clinic, an 8-hour drive on terrible roads and ferry crossing over the Okavango River,” added fundraising organizer Amanda Stronza.

She stayed in veterinary care until she was stronger with the initial thought that surgery was too risky on a weak dog.

An update on the GoFundMe page, which raised over $10,000 for her treatment, said Poppy was happy at the Greenside Animal Hospital, a wonderful facility in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Stand on her own
Her X-rays showed her spine had been completely severed and surgery would only put her through unnecessary pain and not help repair her spine.

Doctors believe that “continued physiotherapy will help Poppy improve more and regain strength and maybe even some ability to stand on her own,” Amanda wrote.

“Poppy will also soon get her own fancy cart, or wheelchair, to help her race around and chase squirrels,” she added.

Brave pup

A forever home was found for her in Washington DC and staff were working with a travel company to get her there.

“Given what I understand now about the severity of her injury, I am only more in awe of Poppy’s incredible tenacity and spirit. What a brave little pup,” Amanda wrote.

“We didn’t find her in that remote part of Botswana–she found us, and I truly believe she knew what she was doing.”

What a remarkable dog! I know Poppy will make a good recovery considering her grit and determination.

Please share to pay tribute to all the people that have helped Poppy on her road to recovery.

Source: moneysavingbasics.com

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.